Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (4)
$165.00
Thomann
4.6 (10)
$142.00 $141.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $132

Standard/Professional

$79

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Waldorf Nave". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Elevate your sound to a new dimension with the Waldorf Nave, a cutting-edge synth plugin that transforms your DAW into a powerhouse of sonic exploration. Revered for its unique sound capabilities, the Nave brings the iconic wavetable synthesis to your fingertips, offering an expansive playground for both novice and professional musicians alike.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with your computer setup, the Nave's intuitive graphical user interface ensures that every sound-shaping tool is within easy reach. Whether you're crafting spatial pads, vivid wavetable scans, or punchy leads, this plugin delivers a sound palette that's both versatile and imaginative. Dive into its advanced oscillators, which offer expanded wavetable functionality and a sophisticated speech synthesizer to craft signature sounds that stand out.

Familiar with Waldorf's hallmark workflow? You'll feel right at home with Nave's accessible modules and controls. The comprehensive modulation matrix, combined with a robust suite of effects like reverb and modulation delay, ensures that your creative potential is never capped. With its groundbreaking blades and pads, control your sound in innovative ways and push your musical boundaries further.

Key Features:

  • Two independent advanced wavetable oscillators
  • Up to 8-oscillator Überwave with saw, triangle, PWM, white and pink noise
  • Two ring modulators and a multimode filter with LP/BP/HP options
  • 3 envelopes, 2 LFOs, and 10 Modulation Matrix entries
  • Speech synthesizer for wavetables and 3D wavetable editing
  • Extensive effects including chorus, flanger, phaser, reverb, and modulation delay
  • Blades with musical scales and optional chord mode
  • Polyphonic Aftertouch, polyphonic unison, and arpeggiator
  • Patch management with user banks, patch categories, and iPad version compatibility
  • Supports 32bit & 64bit VST, VST3, AudioUnit, AAX, and NKS hosts

Product specs

Software Type Synth
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Format VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 8GB RAM or recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 8GB RAM or recommended
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.12 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

Is the Waldorf Nave synth plugin compatible with my DAW?

The Waldorf Nave is compatible with major DAWs that support VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, making it versatile for users on both Mac and PC platforms.

What are the minimum system requirements to run the Waldorf Nave on a PC?

To run the Waldorf Nave on a PC, you'll need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor, 8GB of RAM, and Windows 7 SP1 or later.

Can I use the Waldorf Nave on a Mac with an M1 chip?

The Waldorf Nave requires macOS 10.12 or later and is compatible with Intel-based Macs. For M1 chip compatibility, check for any updates or compatibility notes from Waldorf.

What makes the Waldorf Nave synth plugin unique compared to other synth plugins?

The Waldorf Nave stands out with its advanced wavetable synthesis capabilities, offering a rich sound palette and intuitive interface, ideal for creating complex and evolving sounds.

Is the Waldorf Nave suitable for beginners in music production?

While the Waldorf Nave offers advanced features, its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners, providing a great learning platform for exploring wavetable synthesis.

Synth Universe

Synth Universe

iPad Music App: Waldorf Nave

Video thumbnail for iPad Music App: Waldorf Nave by Synth Universe

iPad Music App: Waldorf Nave

Synth Universe

Synth Universe

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Nave Teaser by WaldorfMusicChannel

Waldorf Nave Teaser

WaldorfMusicChannel

WaldorfMusicChannel

Video thumbnail for Test - Waldorf Nave Plug-in für Cubase, Logic & Co. - deutsch by musotalk

Test - Waldorf Nave Plug-in für Cubase, Logic & Co. - deutsch

musotalk

musotalk

Video thumbnail for Test - Waldorf Nave fürs iPad - deutsch by musotalk

Test - Waldorf Nave fürs iPad - deutsch

musotalk

musotalk

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Nave part 1/3 - A quick tour around the presets by Antonio Antetomaso

Waldorf Nave part 1/3 - A quick tour around the presets

Antonio Antetomaso

Antonio Antetomaso

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Nave for iPad │64 presets FREE - haQ attaQ 64 by Jakob Haq

Waldorf Nave for iPad │64 presets FREE - haQ attaQ 64

Jakob Haq

Jakob Haq

Video thumbnail for Waldorf Nave by muzykujkropkacom

Waldorf Nave

muzykujkropkacom

muzykujkropkacom

Reviews

PROS

  • Excels at creating harmonically rich textures and atmospheres

  • Excellent modulation capabilities extend creative potential

  • Unique and diverse sound patches not found in other synths

  • User-friendly interface with seamless parameter adjustments

  • Deep sound design tool for creating custom sounds

  • High-quality effects including Flanger, Reverb, and Distortion

  • Fully compatible with macOS Big Sur

  • Easy integration with Ableton Live and Push 2

  • Expandable with user samples for endless possibilities

  • Creates cosmically diverse sounds without heavy RAM usage

CONS

  • Initial learning curve with wavetable synthesis

  • Price higher compared to iPad version

  • Not ideal for users seeking extensive preset libraries

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Waldorf Nave.

User experience

  • Owners report that Nave can heavily tax the iPad's CPU, increasing crash risk, especially on older models.

    Source
  • Some users experience random crashing during use, even with no background apps, impacting reliability during sessions.

    Source
  • The immersive opening animation enhances the feeling of playing a real instrument, adding a unique touch to the software experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Nave is highly valued for its easy visualization of wavetables, aiding in understanding and leveraging wavetable synthesis.

    Source
  • Ideal for adding texture to a loop or inspiring new tracks with its ability to create complex, evolving sounds.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Users note that Nave can replace a Blofeld due to its portability and similar capabilities, saving approximately $450 while offering better functionality in some areas.

    Source
  • Nave is not multitimbral, unlike the Blofeld, which allows for more complex layering and use as a drum voice synth with the Waldorf Attack pack.

    Source
  • The preset bank by Richard Devine is highlighted as phenomenal, setting it apart from other preset collections in synth plugins.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Nave can be used with a MIDI controller via the camera connection kit, supporting class-compliant devices even if not originally designed for iOS.

    Source
  • Users recommend using USB audio output for iPad synths like Nave to enhance sound quality beyond the limited iPad minijack output.

    Source
  • NAVE lacks AUv3 support but integrates through AudioBus, necessitating extra steps for seamless workflow in modern setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Nave allows smooth wavetable sweeping, modulated by an LFO, offering extensive manipulation options not possible with many analog setups.

    Source
  • Nave includes all the Blofeld waveforms and more, offering a broader range of sonic possibilities compared to the Blofeld's hardware limitations.

    Source
  • Includes a four-track tape recorder with pre-roll and metronome options, useful for capturing quick ideas without leaving the app.

    Source
  • Users can manipulate 3D wavetables with a "travel" knob, enabling the creation of complex, evolving pads and sounds.

    Source
  • The speech synthesizer allows users to create custom wavetables from words or phrases, offering unique sound design possibilities.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Nave is often highlighted as a cost-effective option, typically priced under $20, making it an accessible entry point for wavetable synthesis.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Waldorf Nave review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Waldorf Nave redefines wavetable synthesis on iPad, offering stunning visuals and powerful sound design capabilities that feel intuitive and engaging. The ability to import WAV files or convert text into speech wavetables adds a unique creative edge. However, the lack of animated modulation playhead detracts from an otherwise seamless experience. Overall, at this price point, Nave is a must-have for any mobile musician looking to explore new soundscapes.

positive

Waldorf Nave Review | Bedroom Producers Blog

bedroomproducersblog.com

Waldorf Nave stands out in the wavetable synth arena with remarkable performance and efficiency, making it a formidable contender despite some interface quirks. Its large GUI is designed for touch usage, which may frustrate some users, especially on standard laptops. Yet, the synth's capability to craft stunning sounds and its low CPU usage are significant advantages. While its wavetable creation process could be more intuitive, and a few bugs remain, Nave excels with a robust factory library and impressive modulation options. If you're after a synth that balances power and accessibility, Nave is a worthy investment.

positive

Waldorf Nave Review - MusicTech

musictech.com

Waldorf Nave is a robust synth that combines a user-friendly interface with powerful sound design capabilities. Its impressive array of features, including custom waveforms and a detailed 3D display, allows for deep sonic exploration. However, the interface can be a bit tricky for achieving consistent results, and while Nave excels in versatility, it lacks the lush organic tones found in competitors like Moog’s Animoog. Overall, it's a fantastic tool for sound designers, but those seeking warm, analog sounds may find it lacking.

positive

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